What are the seasons in the UK and Irish horse racing calendar?

The UK and Irish horse racing calendar is typically divided into two main seasons, the National Hunt season and the Flat season.

The National Hunt season, also known as the jumps season, runs from late September or early October to the end of April or early May. During this season, horses compete in races that involve jumping over obstacles, such as hurdles and fences. The highlight of the National Hunt season is the Cheltenham Festival in March, which features some of the most prestigious races of the season, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The Flat season, also known as the turf season, runs from March or April to October or November, depending on the weather conditions. During this season, horses compete in races on a flat, grass surface, without any obstacles. The highlight of the Flat season is the Royal Ascot meeting in June, which features some of the most prestigious races of the season, including the Royal Ascot Gold Cup and the Diamond Jubilee Stakes.

There is also an all-weather season that takes place during the winter months, typically from October to March. This season features races on synthetic surfaces, which are designed to provide a consistent racing surface in all weather conditions.

In addition to these main seasons, there are a number of important races that take place throughout the year, including the Grand National, the Epsom Derby, and the Irish Derby.